District Social Welfare Officer, Rosemary Mahata, disclosed to Zodiak on Tuesday that most men in forefront of abusing the under aged girls are civil servants and businessmen.

These cases of child prostitution are rampant in Dyeratu, Nchalo and Ngabu in the district.

Mahata said her office together with other child focused organizations will conduct a sweeping exercise in order protect the little children.

"We are currently strengthening our child protection structures and coordination. Soon, we will start the sweeping exercise in order to protect the children," said Mahata.

Reports indicate that eight girls of ages between 14 to 17 who have just given birth have gone to Nchalo court to seek child maintenance support.

Mahata and First Grade Magistrate Gladstone Chirundu have since asked for mindset change among parents to start prioritizing the needs of the girl child.

Chirundu also complained that some of these cases are being perpetrated by step fathers and some herbalists.

So far in Chikwawa, defilement cases hang at 24 while Nsanje has 22 cases.